What is the diagnosis for an adult presenting with persistent rhinorrhea, nasal congestion, myalgia, and odontalgia in multiple teeth, without fever, and with no evidence of dental caries, while children in the household have been experiencing cough, fever, and malaise for 10 days?

Differential Diagnosis for Adults with Prolonged Respiratory and Dental Symptoms

Single Most Likely Diagnosis

• Viral Upper Respiratory Infection (URI): The combination of runny nose, congestion, body aches, and tooth pain in multiple teeth without fever or cavities, especially in the context of similar symptoms in children, suggests a viral etiology. The absence of fever and the presence of symptoms in multiple family members support this diagnosis.

Other Likely Diagnoses

• Sinusitis: Prolonged congestion and tooth pain could indicate sinusitis, especially if the tooth pain is localized to the upper teeth. The lack of fever does not rule out this diagnosis, as chronic sinusitis can be afebrile.
• Allergic Rhinitis: The symptoms of runny nose and congestion could be allergic in nature, especially if they persist without fever or other signs of infection.
• Stress or Bruxism: Tooth pain in multiple teeth without cavities could be related to stress or bruxism, particularly if the patient is experiencing anxiety or grinding their teeth at night.

Do Not Miss Diagnoses

• Influenza: Although the children have been experiencing coughing, fever, and malaise, it's crucial not to miss influenza in the adults, even if they don't have a fever. Influenza can present atypically in adults, and the lack of fever does not rule out this diagnosis.
• Lymphoma or Other Malignancies: Although rare, persistent and unexplained symptoms such as prolonged body aches and tooth pain could be indicative of a more serious underlying condition like lymphoma or other malignancies.
• Temporal Arteritis or Giant Cell Arteritis: This condition can cause jaw claudication and tooth pain, especially in older adults. Although less likely, it's a diagnosis that should not be missed due to its potential for serious complications.

Rare Diagnoses

• Sarcoidosis: This autoimmune disease can cause a wide range of symptoms, including sinusitis, tooth pain, and body aches. While rare, it should be considered in the differential diagnosis, especially if other diagnoses are ruled out.
• Wegener's Granulomatosis (Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis): This rare autoimmune disorder can cause sinusitis, tooth pain, and other systemic symptoms. It's an important diagnosis to consider, although it is relatively rare.